The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is once again stepping it up for local education. They are partnering with the St. Johns County Education Foundation Inc., operating as Investing in Kids (INK!), to host two opportunities for the community to help fill The Bailey Group Tools 4 Schools Supply Depot.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., INK!, in partnership with the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, The Bailey Group and the St. Johns County School District, will host a “Stuff the Bus” collection drive at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market.
Additionally, throughout August, concertgoers are encouraged to bring a variety of essential school supplies to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s designated Tools 4 Schools bin, located outside the box office on show days.
“We’re so pleased to be working with the St. Augustine Amphitheatre again,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s executive director. “The Amp is a centerpiece of the community, hosting graduation ceremonies for several of our area schools. It’s a natural partnership and a wonderful location where residents and visitors alike can help support the teachers and students of St. Johns County.”
Tools 4 Schools is a community-based classroom supply initiative that aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for educators and ensure that both teachers and students have the tools required to succeed in the classroom. With many of the nation’s teachers spending upwards of $1,000 of their own money on school supplies, INK! fulfilled and delivered more than 2,300 teacher requests for school supplies, with a total value exceeding $140,000 during the 2024-25 school year.
A link to the list of needed supplies can be found at ink-stjohns.org/programs/tools-4-schools.
“We are proud to support the Tools 4 Schools donation drive through Stuff the Bus,” said Dianya Markovits, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s public relations and partnerships director. “Our staff and leadership are committed to supporting educational programs that impact teachers and students in St. Johns County. We look forward to joining our community members on Aug. 23 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market event.”
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market Stuff the Bus event is at 1340C A1A South. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will also accept Tools 4 Schools donations throughout August.
INK! collaborates with community organizations, businesses, churches and individuals to collect school supplies to restock The Bailey Group Tools 4 Schools supply depot.
For more information or to coordinate a community drive, contact Maureen Wilt at 904-547-7120 or maureen.wilt@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
The St. Johns County Education Foundation Inc. promotes success for St. Johns County public school students and teachers by providing innovative programs, teacher support, classroom resources and scholarships to benefit more than 52,000 students and approximately 3,200 teachers.
INK! is a 501(c)3 education foundation with offices at 1 Christopher St. in St. Augustine. Learn more at ink-stjohns.org and follow along on Facebook @InvestingInKids and Instagram @INK_InvestingInKids.
